Stromanthe (Stromanthe sanguinea)
Discover Stromanthe sanguinea, the prayer plant relative known for its dramatic foliage and low maintenance in Zones 10-12.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Stromanthe (Stromanthe sanguinea) is a striking tropical perennial prized for its upright, architectural foliage and captivating leaf movement. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, this member of the prayer plant family is highly valued for the dramatic contrast between its dark olive-green upper leaves and vibrant, reddish-purple undersides. Its distinctive characteristic is its nyctinastic movement, where the leaves fold upward at night, showcasing the red undersides, resembling praying hands.
When grown outdoors in ideal conditions, Stromanthe sanguinea reaches heights of 3 to 5 feet, forming a dense, attractive clump perfect for shaded garden areas. Its low maintenance level and medium water requirements make it a straightforward addition to tropical or woodland garden designs. Gardeners appreciate the visual interest provided by the leaves, even when the plant is not in bloom.
For cultivators outside of tropical climates, the use of Stromanthe as an exceptional houseplant is common. Successfully bringing this species indoors allows enjoyment of its unique foliage year-round, provided essential humidity and light levels are maintained. Careful placement ensures the foliage of Stromanthe sanguinea remains pristine.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Marantaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Brazil
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-5 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: March to April
- Bloom Description: Tiny white flowers with cherry red bracts
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For garden cultivation, seek out a location providing light or dappled shade; Stromanthe sanguinea performs best with morning sun exposure and protection from intense afternoon heat. Plant in fertile, moist yet well-drained soils. These plants are winter hardy only in USDA zones 10 through 12 outdoors. Wherever possible, avoid allowing the soils to dry out completely, as consistent moisture is vital for healthy foliage.
Watering should be consistent year-round. While rated as medium water needs, the requirement leans toward consistently moist conditions, especially when grown as a houseplant. If growing indoors, avoid placing containers directly on dry surfaces; elevate the pot on a tray of moist pebbles and consider applying a daily foliage mist to supplement crucial humidity.
When temperatures dip below 50°F, plants grown as tropical accents outdoors must be brought inside. For houseplants, locate them near eastern windows to maximize gentle light exposure. If growing as an annual or moving containers seasonally, transition them back outdoors gradually to protected spots ranging from part shade to nearly full shade.
Landscape Uses
The vibrant colors and upright habit of Stromanthe make it an excellent structural element in shaded garden beds and borders. Utilize its height (up to 5 feet) toward the middle or back of mixed plantings where it can contrast beautifully with lower-growing, fine-textured groundcovers. Its recommendation as an excellent houseplant also speaks to its adaptability for container groupings on shaded patios.
When designing shaded outdoor spaces, pair Stromanthe sanguinea with plants that share similar light and moisture needs. Hostas, ferns, and Caladiums are fantastic companions, as they thrive in the dappled light preferred by this Marantaceae member. The dramatic red undersides of the leaves offer a consistent color note that complements the various greens found in understory plantings.
Even indoors, this species excels as a specimen plant or integrated into larger tropical vignettes. Its eye-catching foliage ensures that even a modest 2-3 foot indoor height commands attention in bright, humid areas of the home or greenhouse.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Stromanthe sanguinea, commonly called stromanthe, is an upright rhizomatous perennial that typically grows to 5’ tall and 3’ wide outdoors but to a more modest 2-3’ tall when grown indoors as a houseplant. It is native to rainforests in Brazil. Lanceolate to elliptic-oblong, dark olive green leaves (to 20” long and 6” wide) have red undersides. This is a prayer plant family member whose leaves fold together at night in a manner reminiscent of praying hands, showcasing the red leaf undersides. Tiny white flowers with showy cherry-red bracts bloom in panicles in winter and spring.
Tolerances
| Tolerance Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Drought | Low (Soils must never be allowed to dry out) |
Potential Problems
The primary issues facing Stromanthe involve pests and improper moisture management. Common unwelcome visitors include mealybugs and spider mites, particularly when humidity levels drop indoors during winter heating. Thorough inspection of the undersides of the leaves will help catch infestations early.
Root and stem rot are significant concerns if the soil remains perpetually waterlogged. While the plant requires consistent moisture—soils must never be allowed to dry out—excellent drainage is vital. Ensure containers have unobstructed drainage holes and outdoor planting sites do not collect standing water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Stromanthe suitable for?
Stromanthe sanguinea is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 through 12 when grown outdoors. North of Zone 10, it must be treated as a houseplant and brought indoors when temperatures approach 50°F.
How large does Stromanthe grow?
Outdoors, this plant typically matures to a height of 3 to 5 feet and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide. When cultivated as an indoor houseplant, it remains more modest, usually reaching only 2 to 3 feet tall.
What sun exposure does Stromanthe need?
Stromanthe requires part shade. It performs well with gentle morning sun but foliage will frequently burn if exposed to direct, intense sun, especially during hot summer months.
When does Stromanthe bloom?
Flowering typically occurs between March and April. The actual flowers are tiny and white, set off by highly ornamental, showy, cherry-red bracts.
Conclusion
The Stromanthe adds undeniable tropical drama to any setting, thanks to its upright habit and the mesmerizing movement of its bicolored foliage. Its low maintenance requirement outdoors (in Zones 10-12) or its manageable requirements as a houseplant make Stromanthe sanguinea a rewarding choice for dedicated plant lovers. Verify your climate zone compatibility or prepare adequate indoor conditions before introducing this beautiful species to your collection.
Companion Planting
Because Stromanthe thrives in humid, shaded environments with consistent moisture, companion planting should focus on other moisture-loving understory species. Consider pairing it with other members of the prayer plant family (Calathea or Maranta) to create a dense, layered tropical look that benefits from similar humidity regimes.
For outdoor southern gardens, plants with similar cultural needs like various species of ferns, especially Japanese Painted Ferns, or moisture-tolerant broadleaf evergreens work well near the base of the Stromanthe. The dense foliage of these companions helps shade the soil, retaining moisture which benefits the shallow roots of the Stromanthe.
Design Ideas
One effective design strategy is using Stromanthe sanguinea as a vertical accent in an otherwise low-growing shaded border. Its height provides significant upward visual contrast against groundcovers or low mounds of shade-loving impatiens or coleus. Its red leaf undersides offer unexpected pops of color when breezes move the foliage.
When using Stromanthe indoors, group it with other foliage plants that appreciate humidity, like Bird of Paradise or larger tropical Philodendrons. This grouping creates a microclimate that helps elevate the local humidity levels, satisfying the exacting needs of the prayer plant family member. Using decorative, high-quality pots complements the sophisticated appearance of the foliage.
